Meet Our Team

We take great pride in our innovative, energetic, and devoted staff. We are committed to helping every child as they embark upon this exciting educational journey. Please contact us with any questions or concerns.

Office Staff

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Preschool

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  • Flores Cecilia
    Cecilia Flores Teacher Send message »

    My name is Cecilia Flores, and I am very excited to be part of the Dorothy Hall Elementary School family. I have a bachelor of applied science in early childhood education. I have been working with preschool children for more than 15 years. My goal as a teacher is to help children reach their potential in their journey towards developmental milestones (through every day experiences).

    “A mind when stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimension.” - Anonymous

    Cecilia Flores
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  • Tansey Jannett
    Jannett Tansey Teacher Send message »

    Hello everyone! My name is Jannett Tansey, and I am honored to become part of the Dorothy Hall Elementary Family. I have been working in Yuma School District One, since 2008, where I have learned and performed different assigned duties. I have a Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education, and I have been teaching and enjoying preschool for around nine years now. I believe high quality settings provide children the foundation to become lifelong learners.

    “The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn.” - Maria Montessori

    Janett Tansey

Kindergarten

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  • Cerda Lucero
    Lucero Cerda Teacher Send message »

    My name is Lucero Cerda. I grew up in Yuma, Arizona. I graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2018 and earned my bachelor’s degree in early childhood and elementary education. I am an AVID certified teacher. This is my second-year teaching. I am excited to be part of the Dorothy Hall Elementary team as a kindergarten teacher. I am sure we will all have a wonderful time! I believe children learn through meaningful experiences. I value hands-on activities, explorations, and collaboration. I love teaching to seeing growth. I believe all students are capable of success. NO EXCEPTIONS!

    Children are sponges, soaking up every verbal and nonverbal interaction.” - Asa Don Brown 

    Lucero Cerda
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  • Taylor Diaz J
    J Taylor Diaz Teacher Send message »

    Hello, my name is J. Taylor Diaz and I am honored to be joining the Kindergarten team at Dorothy Hall. I obtained a BA in Elementary Education from Arizona State University in 2010. In 2014, I received my Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Elementary Reading from Grand Canyon University. Additionally, I hold Early Childhood Education and Reading Specialist endorsements.

    I previously taught Kindergarten and first grade in the Chandler Unified School District for 7 years. After a six year hiatus, to raise my three children, I am eager to get back into the classroom.

    My goal is to create a safe and engaging learning environment where students can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. I look forward to partnering with you and your child to make their first year of elementary school a success!

    “I hear, and I forget. I see, and I remember. I do, and I understand.” – Chinese Proverb

    J Taylor Diaz
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  • Reardon Marcella
    Marcella Reardon Teacher Send message »

    Hello! I am Marcella Reardon. I have been an educator for Yuma School District One for 22 years. It is a privilege to be a part of Dorothy Hall Elementary School’s amazing kindergarten team for the upcoming school year. I have been a skilled educator of English for many years, teaching children whose primary language is other than English. I am looking forward to learning about the AVID philosophy and implementing its strategies in the classroom. I am a Yuma native and am proud to be a part of a community that is rich in culture and history. I am committed to helping children discover their talents and become the future citizens of our community. I believe all children can succeed, NO EXCEPTIONS!

    “When you see something beautiful in someone, tell them. It may take a second to say, but for them, it could last a lifetime.” - Author unknown

    Marcella Reardon
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  • Velasquez Leticia
    Leticia Velasquez Teacher Send message »

    Hi, I am Leticia Velasquez, and I am excited to be part of the Dorothy Hall Elementary School staff. I received my bachelor’s of science in education with an endorsement in early childhood from Northern Arizona University in May 2018. This will be my second year of teaching. I am an AVID certified teacher, and I believe students can have meaningful learning experiences through collaboration and hands-on learning. I love teaching because I believe children have great potential. I am so excited to get this year started!

    “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” - Albert Einstein

    Leticia Velasquez

First Grade

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  • Durdovic Evonne
    Evonne Durdovic Teacher Send message »

    Hi, I am Evonne Newell. I am very excited to be a part of the Dorothy Hall Elementary school staff. I have the honor of teaching first grade. I have been an educator for over thirteen years and have been with Yuma District One since 2013. I am an AVID certified teacher and believe that all students are capable of success. I think that building a sense of community in the classroom and allowing students the opportunity to collaborate is important. It is also important to help all students foster a love of learning.

    “Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” A.A Milne

    Evonne Durdovic
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  • Raitter Jennifer
    Jennifer Raitter Teacher Send message »

    Hi there! My name is Jennifer Raitter and I will be teaching first grade this year. I graduated from Northern Arizona University in May of 2020, with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a minor in early childhood education. I am an AVID certified teacher with experience as an AVID tutor. My passion is teaching students to become creative and divergent thinkers. I loved my experience as a student-teacher at Dorothy Hall Elementary school and I am very excited to begin my teaching journey here.

    “One is never so tall as when one reaches down to help a child”- Unknown

    Jennifer Raitter
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  • Sheppeard Reagan
    Reagan Sheppeard Teacher Send message »

    Hi! My name is Reagan Sheppeard. I am beyond excited to be a part of the Dorothy Hall family! I am very proud to call Yuma, Arizona my hometown. I received a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Arizona State University. I have worked with students of all grades K-8, and I have fallen in love with teaching and inspiring our first graders. As a first-grade teacher, I am eager to create a learning environment filled with academic success, growth, fun, collaboration, kindness, and so much more! I 100% believe every child is capable of success, and I am committed to creating a classroom environment that fosters that belief. Go Innovators!

    "Nothing is impossible. The word itself says 'I'm possible!'" - Audrey Hepburn

     

    Reagan Sheppeard

Second Grade

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  • Argel Madison
    Madison Argel Teacher Send message »

    My name is Madison Argel, and I am proud to be establishing my career here at Dorothy Hall! I am a veteran dancer who fell in love with the art of teaching through teaching dance. I can not wait for what my future holds in the classroom. I graduated from Northern Arizona University (Yuma) in May of 2024 with a bachelor's in both elementary education and special education with an English as a second language (ESL) endorsement. I was a paraprofessional/aide here in Yuma Elementary School District One for three years before becoming a teacher and credit a lot of my experience to our local professionals! I have experience working in autism classrooms and cherish the importance of inclusion for all students. All students are capable of success, no exceptions! I am looking forward to my future as an innovator taking part in educating our upcoming generations. 

    “Don’t underestimate yourself. You are more capable than you think.”― Misty Copeland

    Madison Argel
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  • Hieber Sondra
    Sondra Hieber Teacher Send message »

    My name is Sondra Hieber and I am excited to be a part of the Dorothy Hall family. I received a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Northern Arizona University. I have a true passion for working with our young learners! Helping each child progress in all areas of their development- academics, social, language, and motor skills is a challenge I am honored to accept daily. I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures this growth in a positive and fun environment.

    "The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B. King

    Sondra Hieber
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  • Pereira Angela
    Angela Pereira Teacher Send message »

    My name is Angela Pereira. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. I am a proud US Air Force Veteran and mother. I graduated from Grand Canyon University and obtained my bachelor's in Early Childhood Education. I have been an educator for six years. It is an honor to be a part of Dorothy Hall Elementary School’s amazing team this year. I have had the great experience of teaching English language learners for four years and have witnessed great student success. I enjoy learning and facilitating the AVID philosophy and implementing its strategies into my classroom. I instill the qualities of hard work, discipline, good decision making and always putting your best foot forward in all of my students. I am committed to helping children discover their talents and become the future citizens of our community. I believe all children can succeed! No exceptions!

    “You can accomplish anything with students if you set high expectations for behavior and performance by which you, yourself abide.”-Harry Wong

    Angela Pereira

Third Grade

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  • Cochran Nereyda
    Nereyda Cochran Teacher Send message »

    I am Nereyda Cochran, and I have been teaching for eight years in Yuma School District One. I have taught second grade for the majority of my teaching career and am currently a third-grade English language arts teacher. I am a Yuma native and the daughter of Spanish-speaking migrant workers. I am a proud product of public education and honored to be joining a group of wonderful and innovative teachers at Dorothy Hall Elementary School. I can’t wait to begin! I will be teaching third grade for the 2019-2020 school year. I am looking forward to learning all about the AVID philosophy and strategies and implementing them in my classroom. I am excited to meet my new students and be challenged by their learning styles. I have a flexible and diverse teaching style. I believe in student collaboration and am striving to be an innovative teacher who believes ALL students are capable of success, NO EXCEPTIONS!

    “Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” - John C. Maxwell

    Nereyda Cochran
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  • Lee Morgan
    Morgan Lee Teacher Send message »

    Hi! My name is Morgan Lee, and I am excited to be joining the 3rd-grade team at Dorothy Hall. I am a born and raised Yuma. I received a dual major from Northern Arizona University in Elementary Education and Special Education. Before this adventure, I taught at Mary A. Otondo for 4 ½ years and then a virtual academy for one year. My goal is for all students to achieve success and I am looking forward to helping each one of them do that. 

    “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin

    Morgan Lee
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  • Mireles Mariana
    Mariana Mireles Teacher Send message »

    Hello, my name is Mariana Mireles and I am very happy to be joining the third grade team at Dorothy Hall. I was born in Mexicali and raised in San Luis Mexico and Yuma, Arizona. I am a graduate of Northern Arizona University with a Master's of Elementary Education along with a Structured English Immersion endorsement.

    I completed my student teaching at Dorothy Hall, this school has a special place in my heart and I am ecstatic to be a part of it and; most importantly to make a difference in my student's lives. I strive to create a safe engaging learning environment where students thrive and succeed. All children are capable of success, no exceptions!

    "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela

    Mariana Mireles
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  • Venegas Celia
    Celia Venegas Teacher Send message »

    Hi, my name is Celia Venegas, and I am one member of our fantastic third grade team. I am a proud “Yuman” and product of Yuma School District One (Go Jaguars and Falcons!). Before I obtained a bachelor’s of science degree in special and elementary education from Northern Arizona University, I worked for 11 years as the education coordinator at the Boys and Girls Club of Yuma.

    I have been privileged to be able to educate 3rd graders for what is now my 9th consecutive year. In my classroom, I strive to provide a learning environment that fosters collaboration, innovation, and fun by integrating AVID strategies and learning through song. It is my goal to make every student’s confidence in their mathematical abilities grow, learn how math is valuable in their everyday lives, and ultimately love math!

    When I am not teaching, you can find me at the softball fields watching my daughter or volunteering at community events with my Optimist Club. I look forward to meeting all of the wonderful third-grade scholars who walk into my classroom and impress on them that they are loved and capable of success, no exceptions!

    “Every problem is an opportunity for a solution.” - Anonymous

    Celia Venegas

Fourth Grade

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  • Brewer Carla
    Carla Brewer Teacher Send message »

    Hello there! My name is Carla Brewer, and I am excited to be a part of Dorothy Hall Elementary school this year. I have a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University, and I am excited for my first group of Innovators. I am thrilled to be teaching fourth and fifth grade English and language arts (ELA) this school year. I am passionate about education, and I believe that every student deserves the best learning environment and experience while in school. Not only do I want my students to grow academically, but individually as well. There is so much for every student to accomplish, and I am dedicated to help any student do just that. Most importantly, I believe that all kids are capable of success! Hero up!

    “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” - Aristotle

    Carla Brewer
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  • Flores Paul
    Paul Flores Teacher Send message »

    Hi! My name is Paul Flores IV. I’ve had the pleasure of working with children for 17 years in both California and Arizona. I’m so excited to be teaching here at Dorothy Hall and working with all of you. I am a strong supporter of family, teacher, and school teamwork as I believe it is one of the keys to the children’s success. I can’t wait to get to know each child’s unique personality and interests so that I can bring in more resources that will intrigue their curiosity. I’m all about learning through hands-on, fun activities that challenge us to think critically, work collaboratively, and express ourselves beyond our limits. Let’s make this a year worth remembering!

    Paul Flores
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  • Lagunas Shelby
    Shelby Lagunas Teacher Send message »

    Hi! My name is Shelby Lagunas! I am so excited to be a fourth grade teacher here at Dorothy Hall! I have obtained a bachelor's degree in both elementary education and special education from Northern Arizona University. I have worked with students ranging from kindergarten through fifth grade in both general education settings and resource settings. I am beyond thrilled to share my love of math with all my students while providing a welcoming environment that allows them to grow and learn! I believe that all kids are capable of success, no exceptions!

    "Our job is not to prepare students for something. Our job is to help students prepare themselves for anything." - A.J Juliani

    Fourth Grade Teacher Shelby Lagunas

Fifth Grade

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  • Bailey Jonathan
    Jonathan Bailey Teacher Send message »

    Hello Innovators! My name is Jonathan Bailey and I am so excited to be teaching at Dorothy Hall Elementary for the 2022–2023 school year. I have a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University and am pumped to be teaching fourth and fifth-grade science. Ever since third grade, I have wanted to be a teacher and make a difference in the lives of others. I wholeheartedly believe that all students have the potential to be great and do great things. I am AVID certified and will do my best to create lessons that are engaging and project-based. I have a passion for ensuring that each child knows that they matter and that their voices will be heard. While I know that academic learning is important, I also value teaching to the whole child. Every student is capable of success, no exceptions!

    “Everyone you ever meet knows something you don’t.” - Bill Nye the Science Guy

    Jonathan Bailey
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  • Gomez Claudia
    Claudia Gomez Teacher Send message »

    Hello, my name is Claudia Gomez, and I am delighted to join Dorothy Hall Elementary this year. I have been teaching for seven years. I will be joining the fourth and fifth grade team as the PL teacher. My goal is to create a positive and engaging learning environment where each student can reach their full potential. I believe in fostering a love for learning while also challenging students to think critically and creatively. I believe that education is a team effort, and I look forward to working together with you and your families to make this year a success.

    “A little progress each day adds up to big results.” - Satya Nani

    Claudia Gomez
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  • Serna Priscilla
    Priscilla Serna Teacher Send message »

    Hello! My name is Priscilla Serna, and I am thrilled to begin my new journey at Dorothy Hall Elementary School! I have a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Grand Canyon University. I am very excited to teach 4th and 5th grade social studies. I can't wait to get started on this amazing school year we have ahead of us. My goal is to make an impact on my students and maintain a classroom environment where every child and visitor feels welcomed, safe, and excited to learn!

    "You never fail until you stop trying."- Albert Einstein

    Priscilla Serna

Special Area Teachers

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  • Dorame Jose
    Jose Dorame Art Teacher Send message »

    Hi. My name is Jose Dorame, and I am excited to be a new addition to the Dorothy Hall team. I have been teaching in Yuma School District One for 20 years now. I graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor of fine arts in art education. I am excited to be the new art teacher and to foster the creativity within every child. I am a lifelong learner and wish to instill the importance of art education in everyone.

    “I am still learning.” - Michelangelo

    Jose Dorame
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  • Olson Amy
    Amy Olson Music Teacher Send message »

    Hi, I am Amy Olson. I’m excited to teach general music at Dorothy Hall Elementary. I received my bachelor of music in music education from the University of Arizona in 2004. I have been a part of the Yuma Elementary School District One since 2013. I currently hold the position as principal bassoonist of the Yuma Civic Orchestra. I have been playing the bassoon for over 20 years. My goal is to instill a lifelong love of music in every child.

    “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” - Plato

    Amy Olson
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  • Tep Coach
    Coach Tep P.E. Teacher Send message »

    Hello, I am Coach Tep and I am excited to be back on the Dorothy Hall team as the physical education teacher. I grew up in Bagdad, AZ but have been in Yuma for the last 22 years. I received my bachelor’s of science from the University of Arizona, Go Cats!! Over my 24 year teaching career, I have had the opportunity to work with students from kinder to college, adult learners as well as athletes. My goal is to foster an active learning environment where all my students feel safe and have fun. I want them to find ways to move that they enjoy so they will make being active and healthy a priority into their adult lives.

    “Movement is the starting point for wiring the brain for learning.” -Gill Connell A Moving Child is a Learning Child

    Coach Tep

Support Staff

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  • Bickford Carol
    Carol Bickford School Counselor Send message »

    Hi! My name is Carol Bickford, and I am very much looking forward to a fantastic year as the counselor at Dorothy Hall Elementary School.

    I started out in education as a 5th-grade teacher and then a middle school English teacher prior to earning my Masters in Education Degree in school counseling at NAU Yuma. After my graduation, I also served as an adjunct professor in the School Counseling Program here at NAU. I have participated in Kids at Hope for a number of years, and I have received training in the AVID Program and Capturing Kids’ Hearts.

    I do believe that all children are capable of success, and I believe that it is my role, as a school counselor, to help them along that road to a successful future! I work with students both individually and in groups to promote academic motivation in addition to addressing other important areas such as developing a growth mindset, self-regulation of behaviors, and, basically, just believing in oneself. It is my goal to be available to every student and family that I may be able to help, either personally or by guidance to the appropriate outside sources.

    Please never hesitate to reach out. Thank you for the privilege!

    “The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.” Anthony Robbins

    Carol Bickford
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  • Fisher Christina
    Christina Fisher Reading Interventionist Send message »

    Hello, my name is Christina Fisher. I am so excited to join the team at Dorothy Hall Elementary as a Reading Interventionist. I graduated from San Diego State in 2003 with my bachelor's in liberal studies. In 2020 I earned my Master’s degree in reading with an emphasis in elementary education from Grand Canyon University. 

    I have been in Yuma teaching first grade for over 17 years. Over the past few years, I developed a passion for wanting to help children more who are struggling with reading. Pursuing this passion led me to work hard for a master’s degree. This way I can focus on targeting students in small reading groups to help them reach their goals. All children have the potential to learn. I cannot wait to begin this journey as an interventionist to help fill in the gaps and help children become better readers. 

    “If you don’t like what you read, you haven’t found the right book.” – J.K. Rowling

    Christina Fisher

ESS Teaching Team

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  • Anthony Darnell
    Darnell Anthony K–5 Autism Teacher Send message »

    Hi, I am a native of Minnesota and grew up in the Minneapolis suburbs. I graduated from Dr. Martin Lutheran College and Mankato State University. I also attended UW-LaCrosse and Wisconsin Lutheran College for masters classes. I have taught in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Washington, and Arizona in the areas of special education and general education for learners in kindergarten through 12th grade. Teaching in different schools and areas including rural, inner city, and reservation in addition to being the parent of special needs children, has given me different experiences and perspectives. I know all children are capable of success, no exceptions!

     

    Darnell Anthony
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  • Arvallo Reyes Laritza
    Laritza Arvallo Reyes Resource Teacher Send message »

    Hello, Innovator family! My name is Laritza Arvallo Reyes, and I am truly honored to join the Dorothy Hall family. I graduated from Arizona State University, where I earned my bachelor's degree in special education and elementary education with a structured English immersion (SEI) endorsement, in December 2023. Becoming a teacher has been my lifelong dream, and throughout my journey as a student teacher, I have discovered a deep passion for working with k–2 students. I am excited to serve as a resource teacher where my mission is to foster an environment of kindness, growth, and achievement for every student. I firmly believe that all students—regardless of their background or challenges—are capable of success. My goal is to provide them with the tools, encouragement, and support they need to thrive, both academically and personally. Together, we will create a community of learners where every child feels valued, empowered, and inspired to reach their fullest potential. Thank you for welcoming me into this incredible community. I look forward to the exciting journey ahead!

    “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” –Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

    Laritza Arvallo
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  • Gomez Marsha
    Marsha Gomez K–5 Autism Teacher Send message »

    Hello! My name is Marsha Gomez. I am excited to join the wonderful team at Dorothy Hall. I have been teaching at Yuma District One since 2018. I received my bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in sociology at Northern Arizona University. I am currently working on my teaching certification at Pima Community College. I have a passion for embracing Autism! This class is committed to creating an environment where your child is a valued, trusted, integral part of our family of learners!

    “If they can’t learn the way we teach, we teach the way they learn.” – Dr. O. Ivar Lovaas

    Marsha Gomez
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  • May McKenzie
    McKenzie May Resource Teacher Send message »

    Hello Innovator family! My name is McKenzie May. This is my seventh year of teaching. I moved to Yuma from Kansas to begin my teaching career with Yuma School District One in 2016. I received my bachelors of art education with an emphasis in ceramics from the University of Kansas in 2015. I received my master’s of special education from Northern Arizona University in 2020. As an educator, I have had the opportunity to focus on building strengths such as empathizing with my students while maintaining productivity and a positive environment. I strive to foster understanding in my classroom in order to expand the knowledge base of my students as well as nurture their emotional needs. I feel comfortable taking on the role of both student and teacher and am able to challenge my students and myself to be the best we can–in and out of the classroom.

    “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” - Malala Yousafzai

    McKenzie May

Paraprofessionals

Grade Level Paraprofessionals

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ESS Paraprofessionals

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Occupational Therapy Paraprofessionals

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Preschool Paraprofessionals

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Reading Interventions

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Speech Paraprofessionals

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